The Metre Convention (Convention du Metre):

At the end of the 18th century, the French Academy was assigned the task to prepare a metrology system which would be applicable to all, regardless of the time framework. In order to meet this requirement, they designed all the measures on natural phenomena and sources. These endeavours resulted, in 1875, in the signature of the Metre Convention by 17 most developed states of the world.

The Convention defined the prototypes of metre as the unit of length and kilogram as the unit of mass. It established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Committee of Weights and Measures (CIPM). The Metre Convention finally introduced order in the field of metrology in Europe, and later also in the rest of the world.

CGPM (Conference Générale des Poids et Mesures)

General Conference of Weights and Measures - a body within the framework of the Metre Convention - bringing together the representatives of the governments of all member states.

CIPM (Comité International des Poids et Mesures)

International Committee of Weights and Measures - a body within the framework of the Metre Convention, bringing together 18 individuals elected by the CGPM who report to the BIPM.

CCQM (Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matiere)

Operates within the framework of the Metre Convention as the highest consultative body for measurements in chemistry.

BIPM (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures) - www.bipm.fr

International Bureau of Weights and Measures, organised within the framework of the Metre Convention. It represents the centre of metrology. Its laboratories based near Paris employ the world's best experts in the particular fields.

EUROMET (European Collaboration in Measurement Standards) - www.euromet.ch

EUROMET is aco-operation organisation between the national metrology organisations in the EU and EFTA states and the European Commission. The participating metrology institutes intend to collaborate in EUROMET, with the objective of promoting the co-ordination of metrological activities and services with the purpose of achieving higher efficiency. The main aims of EUROMET are to encourage co-operation in the development of national measurement standards and measuring methods, to optimise the use of resources and services and to improve measurement facilities, making them accessible to all members.

METCHEM - www.euromet.org

A field within the EUROMET covering metrology in chemistry.

ISO/REMCO - www.iso.ch/REMCO

The ISO Committee on Reference Materials.

EURO LAB

Federation of European National Laboratories (about 2000 laboratories).

OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) - www.oiml.org

The International Organisation of Legal Metrology was established by an international convention in 1955.

WELMEC (European Co-operation in Legal Metrology) - www.welmec.org

The European Co-operation in Legal Metrology was established in 1990 with the purpose of preparing and implementing the "New Approach" Directives.

AEAO (Association of European Assay Offices)

Slovenia has been a participating member of this Association since 1997.

Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals

Slovenia holds an observer status in this Convention.